Namibia Minute

Saturday, 21 March 2026

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Saturday, 21 March 2026

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Politics

Impalila residents still use Botswana currency 36 years after independence

The News

Deputy Minister of Defence Charles Mubita has criticised the continued use of Botswana pulas on Impalila Island in the Zambezi region, saying it is unacceptable 36 years after Namibia's independence. He attributed the situation to delays in constructing a bridge from Kasika to Impalila, a project he said has been hampered by corruption and poor planning, and vowed to recover misused funds to complete the infrastructure.

21 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Politics

Impalila residents still use Botswana currency 36 years after independence
Deputy Minister of Defence Charles Mubita has criticised the continued use of Botswana pulas on Impalila Island in the Zambezi region, saying it is unacceptable 36 years after Namibia's independence. He attributed the situation to delays in constructing a bridge from Kasika to Impalila, a project he said has been hampered by corruption and poor planning, and vowed to recover misused funds to complete the infrastructure.
21 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Independence Day requires active participation from all citizens
Oshana governor Hofni Iipinge said Independence Day is not a past event but an ongoing responsibility requiring continuous effort from all citizens toward nation-building, economic growth, and social progress. He emphasized the region's commitment to accelerating development and improving service delivery across key sectors.
21 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Three unions reject 5% salary raise and Psemas healthcare plan
Three public service unions gathered at Omusati Regional Council to reject the government's 5% salary increase for civil servants and the "Vision April 2026" proposal requiring Psemas members to use only public health facilities. The unions argue the healthcare policy threatens worker rights and freedom of choice, and say the government failed to consult them before proposing changes that affect conditions of employment.
21 March 2026 · The Namibian →
President compares corruption to treason, threatens accountability
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said during Independence Day celebrations that corruption must be treated like treason and those responsible held accountable, as it diverts public resources meant for essential services like healthcare and education. She also warned that tribalism, racism and regionalism are tearing the nation apart and must be avoided.
21 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Menesia Muinjo appointed NBC director general for five years
The Namibian Broadcasting Corporation has appointed Menesia Muinjo as its new director general, effective 1 April for a five-year term, replacing Stanley Similo. Muinjo, currently NBC's news and programming chief, is expected to strengthen the corporation's ability to deliver on its strategic business plan and public broadcasting mandate.
21 March 2026 · The Namibian →
VP Witbooi urges unity and inclusive development on Independence Day
Vice President Lucia Witbooi called for collective responsibility and socio-economic transformation as Namibia marked its 36th Independence Day, emphasizing government priorities under the Sixth National Development Plan including agriculture, youth empowerment, education, and renewable energy, while acknowledging remaining challenges in housing, water, and sanitation.
21 March 2026 · Informanté →
Defence minister urges unity and collective effort for growth
Minister of Defence Frans Kapofi called on Namibians to safeguard unity, strengthen democratic values, and actively contribute to national development during the country's 36th Independence Day celebrations at Sam Nujoma Stadium. He acknowledged persistent challenges including drought, unemployment, and economic constraints, emphasizing that prosperity requires collective citizen participation and warning against divisions based on ethnicity, regionalism, or political affiliation.
21 March 2026 · Informanté →
President calls for unity at Namibia's 36th Independence Day
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah urged Namibians to work together toward inclusive development and tackle poverty, inequality, and corruption as the nation celebrated 36 years of independence. She highlighted democratic progress and infrastructure gains while acknowledging ongoing challenges, and warned against tribalism and regional divisions.
21 March 2026 · Informanté →

Business

Namibia vehicle sales hit nine-year February high at 1,165 units
New vehicle sales in February reached 1,165 units, a 4.1% year-on-year increase, driven by robust demand in mining, agriculture, and energy sectors. Analysts expect continued strength from construction activity at new uranium, gold, copper mines and offshore oil and gas exploration.
21 March 2026 · The Namibian →
NAC confirms airport operations continue after 500GB data theft
The Namibia Airports Company says all its facilities remain fully operational following a cyberattack by INC Ransom Group, which stole 500GB of data and is threatening to release it on the dark web. The company is strengthening security and working with cybersecurity experts and authorities to address the breach.
21 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Ministry denies fuel shortage rumors, assures adequate supplies
The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy has dismissed rumors of a fuel shortage, stating that Namibia has sufficient supplies of diesel and petrol to meet demand and that no rationing measures have been introduced. The Ministry is monitoring stock levels and working with fuel importers and retailers to ensure stable supply.
21 March 2026 · Informanté →

Mining & Energy

Oil discoveries to reshape Namibian coastal property market
Bank Windhoek predicts that recent oil and gas discoveries will significantly reshape Namibia's coastal property market and industrial housing demand over the next decade. The bank's CFO warned that while development activity is strengthening, constraints including affordability, subdued mortgage growth, and supply limitations could create pressure on the coastal housing sector.
21 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Petrobras holds no current Namibian assets despite exploration deal
Brazilian oil company Petrobras said it holds no current Namibian assets following a courtesy visit to government officials, though it and TotalEnergies are bidders for a 42.5% stake each in a petroleum exploration licence in the Lüderitz Basin, pending regulatory approval.
21 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Agriculture & Land

Namibia establishes FMD control zone to protect beef exports
Namibia has declared a foot-and-mouth disease control area in the //Kharas Region near the southern border to maintain its disease-free status and safeguard access to international beef markets. The zone imposes strict controls on livestock movement, requiring veterinary permits, 30-day isolation periods, and biosecurity measures for visitors.
21 March 2026 · Informanté →

Society

HPCNA extends healthcare practitioner licensing deadline to 2027
The Health Professions Councils of Namibia has extended the licensing deadline for healthcare practitioners to 31 March 2027, following a proposal by the Namibia Medical Society and consultation with more than 450 healthcare workers. All practitioners will be deemed licensed during this period, giving them more time to comply with requirements.
21 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Desalination plant offline, coastal areas urged to conserve water
NamWater announced that the Orano desalination plant went offline on Friday due to high sulphur levels, affecting Swakopmund, Nonidas, Arandis and surrounding areas. The utility is prioritising water for towns and communities over mines, and residents are urged to use water sparingly during restoration efforts.
21 March 2026 · The Namibian →
North-eastern rivers rise; authorities urge flood preparedness
Water levels in Namibia's north-eastern rivers—including the Zambezi, Chobe, and Kavango—continued to rise this week, with the Zambezi at Katima Mulilo reaching 6.84 metres and the Kavango at Rundu surpassing 7 metres. The Hydrological Services of Namibia has warned the public to remain vigilant in flood-prone areas and recommended activation of flood risk mitigation and preparedness measures, particularly near the Zambezi River, where the river has overflowed its banks and floodwaters are spreading into the eastern Zambezi floodplains.
21 March 2026 · Informanté →
Community engagement addresses boy child education and positive masculinity
Hope Initiatives Southern Africa Namibia hosted an event where stakeholders, including the First Gentleman, discussed challenges facing boys in education and the promotion of positive masculinity rooted in responsibility, empathy, and accountable leadership. The First Gentleman cited 2023 data showing 8,720 boys dropped out of school and called for evidence-based interventions and strategic programs to support boys' holistic development.
21 March 2026 · Informanté →
Woman re-arrested in Rehoboth on second drug offence
Naomi Fisch, 31, appeared in Rehoboth Magistrate Court and was remanded in custody after being re-arrested on 18 March 2026 for possession of cocaine and cash believed to be proceeds of illegal activity, just 35 days after being granted bail on a first cannabis and money-laundering charge. She faces two counts including drug dealing and money laundering, with the case postponed to 15 July 2026 for further investigations.
21 March 2026 · Informanté →

Culture

American martial artist and actor Chuck Norris dies at 86
Chuck Norris, the U.S. martial artist and Hollywood action star known for the television series 'Walker, Texas Ranger' and action films including 'The Delta Force' and 'Missing in Action', has died aged 86, his family confirmed. Born in Oklahoma in 1940, Norris rose to fame after meeting Bruce Lee and later became a cultural icon through his film and television work.
21 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Sport

German football: Leipzig defeats Hoffenheim 5-0
RB Leipzig thrashed Hoffenheim 5-0 to climb to third place in the Bundesliga, with goals from Brajan Gruda and Christoph Baumgartner (both doubles), Yan Diomande's assist leading to multiple scores, and Benjamin Henrichs adding a fifth. The win moved Leipzig back into the top four for the first time since January as they pursue a Champions League return.
21 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Man United draws with Bournemouth in dramatic penalty-filled Premier League match
Manchester United drew 2-2 at Bournemouth on Friday after twice blowing the lead, with Harry Maguire sent off late for a foul in the box. United remain third in the Premier League with a seven-point advantage over sixth-placed Chelsea.
21 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Tuchel names England squad ahead of World Cup selection
England manager Thomas Tuchel announced a 35-man squad for friendlies against Uruguay and Japan, calling the matches the "last opportunity for players to compete for their ticket" to the World Cup in June. Manchester United's Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo return after recent good form, while Trent Alexander-Arnold, Luke Shaw, and Ollie Watkins are notably absent.
21 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Arsenal must prove themselves winners in League Cup final
Manager Mikel Arteta said Arsenal's League Cup final against Manchester City on Sunday will be a defining moment as the team seeks to shed their tag of "nearly men" after three consecutive second-placed Premier League finishes. Arteta acknowledged that the team must prove they can win trophies, having captured just one major trophy (the 2020 FA Cup) since he took charge in 2019.
21 March 2026 · The Namibian →

World & Region

US Secretary of State congratulates Namibia on independence anniversary
The United States, through Secretary of State Marco Rubio, sent congratulations to Namibia on its 36th Independence Day. Rubio pledged continued US collaboration with Namibia on health and economic development.
21 March 2026 · The Namibian →
President warns Iran-Israel-US conflict risks Namibia's economy
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said during Independence Day celebrations that rising global conflict, particularly involving the US, Israel and Iran, could negatively impact Namibia's economy and the government will monitor the situation and develop strategies accordingly.
21 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Italy recalls Chiesa for World Cup playoff against Northern Ireland
Liverpool's Federico Chiesa was recalled to Italy's 28-man squad for the March 26 World Cup qualifying playoff against Northern Ireland, while Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario will miss the match for hernia surgery. Coach Gennaro Gattuso also recalled young players Giorgio Scalvini and Niccolo Pisilli; if Italy wins against Northern Ireland, they will face the winner of Wales vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina for a 2026 World Cup place.
21 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Opinion

Independence Day celebrations highlight unity across Namibia
An opinion piece praises the 36th Namibian Independence Day celebrations held in all regions as a significant moment for national unity and a counter to factionalism and tribalism, noting that regional events reflect Namibian sovereignty and the freedom of movement that citizens have exercised since 1990.
21 March 2026 · Informanté →